How to choose a homecare service

If yourself or someone you care for, needs extra help at home you may need a Homecare service. 

Homecare is usually provided by a private company who works on behalf of the NHS. Care UK is one such company. Your GP will help you choose a company. To help make things easier below is checklist of things you should consider to ensure you get the service that's right for you.

Company qualifications

• How long has the company been in business?
• Can the company provide references? From Doctors for example, or existing clients?
• Can they provide the kind of assistance you need?

Quality of care

• How experienced and well trained are the nursing staff? 
• Does the company work in the way you want them to. For example, directly with you, your family members or your doctor?
• Does the company provide a supervisor to evaluate the quality of your homecare on a regular basis? If you had a complaint would you know who to speak to?
• Do employees seem friendly and helpful? Do you like and feel comfortable with them?
• Do you know what services are going to be provided, how often and by who?  Is this written down and clear and are you comfortable with that?
• Can you make changes to this plan if you want to?

Costs

• Do you understand the fees, how much and how they are to be paid?
• Does the company help sign post you to sources of financial assistance?

Medical care

• What plans does the company  have for emergencies?
• Have they explained them to you, do you understand them?
• If you need a respirator, a dialysis machine or other support equipment does your nurse know how to use them and can they help you if you need it?
• Has the company asked for a second point of contact from you, in case of emergencies. For example, a family member or a neighbour?

Once you have chosen your homecare service, make sure you are receiving the care you wanted and were expecting. Making sure your service is written down before it begins will help you with this.  Don't forget, Homecare is there to help you. Chances are you will have a positive experience and find the service invaluable part of your day to day life. If for any reason, you don't have a positive experience for any reason, don't be afraid to speak up. There will be lots of people ready to help.

For more information

Care UK's Homecare service is run by dedicated and highly experienced people who only want the very best for you and your family. If you or someone on your behalf would like to talk to us about how we could help you, please contact us. We would be delighted to answer any questions or queries you have as well as explain things that aren't quite clear.